10/17

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2166

Art Historical Context

**10/17 by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet (1840)** Nicolas Toussaintlet (1792–5), a celebrated Frenchographer and painter, crafted *10/17* in 1840 on paper, measuring 506 × 353 mm. Known for his vivid depictions of everyday military life during the Napoleonic era, Charlet blended humor, pathos, and realism in his works, often through caricature and lithography. This piece, with its intriguing date-like title, likely evokes a specific moment or scene from that storied period, reflecting the Romantic fascination with heroism and camaraderie amid France's turbulent history. Created during the July Monarchy under Louis-Philippe, when nostalgia for Napoleon Bonaparte surged, *10/17* captures the era's cultural reverence for imperial soldiers. Charlet's mastery of paper as a medium allowed for intricate details and expressive lines, making his prints accessible yet collectible art forms that democratized historical imagery. The presence of the collector's mark Lugt 2166 underscores its provenance from a distinguished European collection, highlighting its enduring value among connoisseurs. Visitors, imagine holding a window into 19th-century France—Charlet's work invites us to ponder the personal stories behind the dates. (198 words)

About the Artist

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet · 1792–1845

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